Most of the day was dedicated to eating good food and relaxing. Started with lunch at Chill with these two goofballs: Kirk and Jonathan.
Then we ate at the brewery. Ten buck pizza night.
We are staying at the holiday inn tomorrow... Which is one of the nicer hotels in this country. They have a great buffet.
(10) Tuesday
Made it to the office early and sat in the AC and used the internet. I missed having good speed.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-11/cyclone-pam-strengthens-as-pacific-states-remain-on-alert/6300910
(11) Wednesday
We almost evacuated Efate yesterday for Samoa... but because the plane would not be able to hold all 70 Peace Corps we were informed to stay at the hotel and wait it the storm out.
It was pretty dramatic sitting at the airport listening to the C-130 Air Force captain talking to our staff member deciding our fate about if we stay or if we go. Staying is not bad. We have this amazing hotel that is strong and safe. I want to help with anything I can at the NDMO (National Disaster Management Office) with the call center or whatever is needed. My counterpart is back on Santo.
Who knows what is the level of destruction that is going to result in this cyclone. I have heard it is anywhere from a CAT 3 to a CAT 5. It was for a few days appearing to veer out into the Ocean between Fiji and Vanuatu. But Yesterday it turned and now is heading directly at Efate. I am not too scared at the moment but a Cat 5 cyclone is pretty destructive and it may result in massive destruction and loss of life. This nation had mostly custom build houses so it is ill equipped to handle the powerful winds and storm surge that will bast apart these flimsy homes.
(12) Thursday
I could not sleep as normal and woke up at 4am and since the lobby is less annoying to my roommate who is dead asleep... I got up and decided to work on writing in this blog and looking at the storms path/progres.
The Peace Corps is evacuating us to Sydney Australia today... heading to airport at noon... flight time 3:00pm.
(13) Friday
It is 6am and I had to run downstairs and check the weather report: http://www.cyclocane.com/
It gives the latest news on the cyclone...
I am worried that the nation of Vanuatu is being destroyed but lets hope it avoids being wiped off the map.
(15) Sunday
Sasha Cooper-Morrison
All - I am pleased to share the following letter to Vanuatu PCV/Ts from Ken Yamashita, Regional Director for the Inter-America and Pacific Region:
----------------------------
March 15, 2015
To the Peace Corps Vanuatu Volunteers:
It is hard to believe that it was only a few days ago that we were getting ready for you to stay at the Holiday Inn; and then the decision to move you to Sydney.
Please know that your safety and your volunteer service are foremost in our minds here at Peace Corps HQ. I give daily updates to the Director, Carrie Hessler-Radelet, and the senior staff; of course, there are additional, constant communications across all offices all day long.
I remember when I met many of you during my visit last year; I was so impressed by your creativity, passion, and commitment. Now that Cyclone Pam has passed, I would like to take full advantage of your energy. I imagine that amongst you there is great desire to get back to communities, to re-connect with families and counterparts.
So here is what we're doing:
1. Of course we're going to do everything possible to get you back as soon as practical to your sites, but it is not going to be easy. At this point we do not know if and when you will go back. We don't know when the airport will be open for commercial flights; we don't know the state of roads and other transportation routes, and we don't know the conditions in communities. We also don't know what will happen with law and order.
2. If and when you go back, what you will do once back in Vanuatu will likely be very different from what you were doing. It is likely you'll be involved with reconstruction efforts. In some cases, you may not be able to get back to your sites but you will be greatly appreciated anywhere.
3. In order to get you ready to go back, we are looking into resources available in Sydney to train in disaster response and reconstruction.
4. Finally, we are sending staff from Washington to provide support.
It is often said that in moments of crisis, leaders are born. You were professionals before, you are leaders now; you have shown resilience, professionalism, and maturity during these stressful times. What gives me hope and optimism at this point is knowing we have an amazing Volunteer community. Thank you for all you do.
Warmly,
Ken Yamashita, Regional Director for the Inter-America and Pacific Region
----------------------------
March 15, 2015
To the Peace Corps Vanuatu Volunteers:
It is hard to believe that it was only a few days ago that we were getting ready for you to stay at the Holiday Inn; and then the decision to move you to Sydney.
Please know that your safety and your volunteer service are foremost in our minds here at Peace Corps HQ. I give daily updates to the Director, Carrie Hessler-Radelet, and the senior staff; of course, there are additional, constant communications across all offices all day long.
I remember when I met many of you during my visit last year; I was so impressed by your creativity, passion, and commitment. Now that Cyclone Pam has passed, I would like to take full advantage of your energy. I imagine that amongst you there is great desire to get back to communities, to re-connect with families and counterparts.
So here is what we're doing:
1. Of course we're going to do everything possible to get you back as soon as practical to your sites, but it is not going to be easy. At this point we do not know if and when you will go back. We don't know when the airport will be open for commercial flights; we don't know the state of roads and other transportation routes, and we don't know the conditions in communities. We also don't know what will happen with law and order.
2. If and when you go back, what you will do once back in Vanuatu will likely be very different from what you were doing. It is likely you'll be involved with reconstruction efforts. In some cases, you may not be able to get back to your sites but you will be greatly appreciated anywhere.
3. In order to get you ready to go back, we are looking into resources available in Sydney to train in disaster response and reconstruction.
4. Finally, we are sending staff from Washington to provide support.
It is often said that in moments of crisis, leaders are born. You were professionals before, you are leaders now; you have shown resilience, professionalism, and maturity during these stressful times. What gives me hope and optimism at this point is knowing we have an amazing Volunteer community. Thank you for all you do.
Warmly,
Ken Yamashita, Regional Director for the Inter-America and Pacific Region
